There’s someone behind the scenes at Arts and Draughts that’s done not only an incredible job of bringing in talent, but has also been very kind to us here at SceneSC. Friday will be Shannon Burke’s last Arts and Draughts event and we owe her big time over the years for getting us involved through ticket giveaways to every event and even letting us book some bands and host one of them. We’ll miss you tons Shannon and hope the best for you in the Windy City.
As the weather’s warmed up a bit, this Arts and Draughts plans to move back to the indoor outdoor setup that is much-loved by attendees. With one stage in the courtyard and one beside the steps leading to the upstairs galleries, folks bounce in and out as the bands alternate. Usually Arts and Draughts features three beers from one featured brewer, but this time around they’ve got six beers in store including the new 312 Urban Pale Ale, 312 Urban Wheat, Honker’s ESB, and three brews from the vintage line (Sophie, Matilda and The Illinois). All the brews brought to you by our favorite downtown underground bar, and unofficial after party spot The Whig.
This edition of Arts and Draughts features a strong lineup of local music, some you might have heard of and a couple that might be new. The Pussy Wil.. whoops Prairie Willows and Dear Blanca are two regulars when it comes to local events. It seems like just about every festival has one of these two groups on it, and deservedly so. Both groups put on strong performances and know how to entertain, The Prairie Willows with tight-knit harmonies and captivating songs, and Dear Blanca with frontman Dylan Dickerson’s gravely commanding voice.
Last week we received our 2014 Sampler CD’s in the mail (they look great). Later on that day I hopped in my car and this song was blasting and I was thinking this is incredible who is this? It was Keath Mead and it took me a second to figure out how it was even coming out of my speakers. If Columbia, SC has an underground gem of an artist it is Keath Mead. Last year he recorded some songs with Chaz Bundick of Toro y Moi and released those on Soundcloud, one of which we featured on our 2014 sampler. His band is currently made up of two touring members of Washed Out who were also members of beloved local band Heist and the Accomplice. Hopefully Mead’s full length album will come out this year, on a nice record label that will love and nurture it and give it the attention it deserves. When you hear him live you’ll understand and know you’re seeing something special.
Asheville band The Tills round out the night.
Enter to Win
Here’s how it works. You enter to win, we pick 5 winners. We’ll email the winners at noon tomorrow and you’ll have a ticket for you and a guest waiting for you at the door. That simple. Good luck.
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